BC Highway Patrol is stepping up enforcement of distracted driving and seatbelt use to raise awareness of the dangers of those activities.
Officers will focus on education through enforcement regarding the risks of driving while distracted and failing to wear your seatbelt.
“Distracted driving, along with speeding and impaired driving, is consistently one of the top three contributors to fatal crashes in B.C.,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“We often hear drivers ask for a warning. Distracted driving is so risky that your warning will be a violation ticket. The real consequences would be to get hurt or worse.”
While distracted driving from electronic devices is relatively new, BC Highway Patrol officials say a surprising number of people do not wear a seatbelt, despite their use being mandatory since 1977.
“The evidence is clear: If you do not wear your seatbelt, a totally survivable collision will often become fatal,” says Corporal McLaughlin.
“While securing your child with a car seat requires a little planning, your child’s life is worth it.”
BC Highway Patrol says an average of 53 people die each year in B.C. because they were not wearing their seatbelts properly.
“The BC Motor Vehicle Act says that you must wear your seatbelt properly with the shoulder belt across your chest (not under your arm), and the lap belt across your pelvic bones,” said BC Highway Patrol.
“Children under the age of nine must be secured in appropriate car seats or booster seats depending on their age and size.”
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